BRUCE SANDERS - 2/3 PIONEER BATTALION WORLD WAR II - A SOLDIERS LETTERS HOME

1942 - JANUARY 12th.

NX27395

Sanders B.

Sgt. B. Coy.

2/3 Pioneer Bn. A.I.F

ABROAD.

12/1/1942

Dear Dad & Mum,

Just a line because I may not have time for several days to write . I have been away a couple of days on a guard job & a sweet cop it was from my point of view. There was an Arab boy, Mossa, about fifteen year-old, who did all the kitchen work & he was a fine young chap, so different to most of them. He was clean, for a change, & spoke English very well. There was an old chap also , who swept the tents out each day so what more could one want.

The “wog” workers” were jolly funny at times a nuisance wanting to buy our sweaters & other gear, the boys were “fed up” with them in the end & slipped a round into the breech, at which there was a frantic rush from the scene.

          I saw Bob on Saturday & he was not too well with flu but nothing serious, he is now in  “C” Coy, maybe I told you before.

          Three of us took a walk through  a fairly large village & for a while we were wondering when they would rush us, it was quite a relief to see some policemen when we  reached the main square. The people were at work on all the ancient trades , spinning & weaving. Some of the children are bonny although in the main, they are not too clean & there are many deformities.

          The weather has warmed up considerably after last week’s rain & snow, to-day was very pleasant , it is 9 p.m now & I have just had a shower so you can guess it is  not too cold.

          Well, I really  think I have run out of news, so forgive the brevity, maybe next time I shall have a lot to tell.

          I hope Bet’s teeth are O.K. & that you are both well, all the best to Vera, Clyde & family. I am very well.

                             Cheerio,

                                      Lots of love,